Saturday, April 19, 2014

Edit

Wow! There's nothing I like better than to find a new source for rtw and accessories. On my last foray to the Javits Center I discovered EDIT, a carefully curated fashion event within the regular accessory/rtw shows I normally attend there. The idea behind this new show is to provide a showcase for new and exciting fashion forward resources to meet the press and buyers all in one compact place.Some of the key trends for fall include surface relief, rough textures, coated fabrics, minimalism, linear shapes, ethnic influences, embroidery and beading, armor like tailoring, digital prints, translucent materials, color-blocking, and sportswear silhouettes. Making a selection from a multitude of terrific resources wasn¹t easy, but a few were really outstanding. HANDKERCHIEF blew me away with its focus on avant garde yet infinitely wearable fashions. I'm a sucker for trompe l'oeil effects and a faux collared blue wool, 3/4 coat with giant patch pockets that unzip to form accordian pleats is fabulously practical. Think of it, no more need to carry a handbag! More cheeky is a structured white wool coat with the silhouette of a magician's hand pulling a rabbit out of a hat. It¹s in contrasting black and takes up practically the whole front of the coat. Handkerchief even offers a cross body "magician-hat" leather bag with detachable white rabbit coin purse. Or look at the complete collection, go to www.x-tige.com. At FUTURE SHOCK the message was graphic shapes with black white and grey the dominating color scheme. Your best bet would be the zip front coats in charcoal with contrasting sleeves and the schoolgirl knife pleated white or black skirts.

I was impressed with ELIZABETH ROBERTS collection. It¹s perfect for the professional woman but offers just that extra bit of edge. For example, a charcoal and black belted, quilted moto jacket is sleek and just long enough to cover the tush for a flattering line. Roberts offers a sophisticates twist on the camouflage print in a sleek brown/sand/black pencil skirt. Even the classic peacoat is freshened up. It's nipped in the waist and double breasted and has with contrast color banded sleeves. It looks great with a coordinating softly pleated skirt with contrast waistband.

Toronto-based designer DENNIS MEROTTO offered a fresh modern perspective that caught my eye. Particularly effective were his outerwear pieces, especially the cotton/wool knit coat in black/cream, and a lush alpaca blend draped full length coat. For late day go for the cross tucked and belted printed silk satin dress also available in maxi length. Not cheap by any means but if you¹re looking for that special item for your wardrobe check out the collection at www.dennismerotto.com.

Getting back to rtw, I spotted a charming collection from Denmark called GANNI. I loved the ladylike black/white houndstooth dress with pleated skirt, an easy blouson cashmere mélange v-neck dress, but especially the glamorous and cozy wrap coat in baroque rose. For more go to www.ganni.com

Definitely aimed at the fashion forward trendsetter under thirty is BIG PARK. Seoul-based designer Park Youn Soo offered up a striking, fun line of separates, jackets and outerwear pieces in leather, wool and rabbit fur. Shapely jackets, flippy skirts and oversized pullovers in poly/cotton blends looked terrific. Find more at www.parkyounsoo3.com. All in all Edit was a terrific show and I can't wait for the next.